Olympics: Li Wenwen wins to give China five weightlifting gold medals

Li Wenwen won the women’s +81 kilogram division on Sunday to give China five gold medals in weightlifting at the Paris Olympics.

AP , Sunday 11 Aug 2024,

Wenwen
China's gold medallist Li Wenwen celebrates after the victory ceremony of the women's +81kg weightlifting event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the South Paris Arena in Paris, on August 11, 2024. AFP

Li was the runaway winner by lifting a total of 309 kilograms (681 pounds) in the sport’s final event ahead of silver medalist Park Hye-jeong of South Korea at 299 and Emily Campbell of Britain at 288.

“I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in over 300 days,” Li said. "The pressure was huge. But to be able to deliver, I feel like my country never gave up on me. When I needed it most, I got the best treatment to be able to overcome injuries.”

China won half the Olympic weightlifting titles, just like in Tokyo three years ago. Liu Huanhua got gold in the men’s 102 kilograms, Li Fabin in the men’s 61 kilograms, Luo Shifang the women’s 59 kilograms and Hou Zhihui the women’s 49 kilograms.

“I am happy for China,” Li said. "Regardless of what number gold medal this is for China, I had to win it.”

The U.S. came away with two weightlifting medals as Olivia Reeves won gold in the women's 71 kilograms and Hampton Morris bronze in the men's 61 kilograms. Reeves is the first U.S. Olympic weightlifting champion since 20

Short link: